Vaginal reconstruction

Vaginal reconstruction can be an uncomplicated and straightforward procedure when attention to detail is maintained. The Abbe-McIndoe procedure of lining the neovaginal canal with split thickness skin grafts has become standard. The use of the inflatable Heyer-Schulte vaginal stent has enabled comfort for the patient and ease for the surgeon in maintaining skin graft approximation. For large vaginal and perineal defects, myocutaneous flaps, such as the gracilis island, have been extremely useful for correction of radiation tissue to the perineum or for the reconstruction of large ablative defects. Minimal morbidity and scarring ensues since the donor site can be closed primarily. With all vaginal reconstruction, a compliant patient is a necessity. The patient must wear a vaginal obturator for a minimum of three to six months postoperatively and is encouraged to use intercourse as an excellent obturator. In general, vaginal reconstruction can be an extremely gratifying procedure for both the functional and emotional well-being of patients.     

Full-thickness skin graft vaginoplasty for treatment of the stenotic or foreshortened vagina

Vaginal stenosis or foreshortening following surgery or radiation therapy can lead to dyspareunia. This report concerns the successful use of full-thickness skin grafts taken from the flank overlying the iliac crest to treat vaginal stenosis or foreshortening. The operation consists of incising the involved area and creating a space which will become the recipient site. An elliptical piece of full-thickness skin harvested from the area overlying the iliac crest is cleared of underlying fat, trimmed to fit the recipient site, and sutured in place. Vaginal packing is used to keep the graft against the recipient bed. Ten patients have been treated successfully with this technique, without significant complications or sequelae. Follow-up from 6 weeks to 42 months showed excellent postsurgical vaginal capacity in all patients. Similarly, excellent functional results were achieved in eight patients, with distinct improvement in the remaining two. This procedure is a useful addition to the gynecologic surgeon's armamentarium.     

Vaginal reconstruction in the fibrotic pelvis

Vaginal reconstruction was performed in 7 patients who had developed vaginal stenosis as a result of extensive pelvic fibrosis following either pelvic irradiation (6 patients) or multiple vaginal procedures (1 patient). Six patients received split thickness skin grafts and 1 patient received an amnion graft in the creation of the neovagina. Five patients achieved a satisfactory final result. All of these patients were sexually active and described adequate sexual function. There was no serious morbidity associated with these procedures. Safe and successful vaginal reconstruction can be performed in a patient with a fibrotic pelvis.     

A new technique for the creation of a neovagina

Background: There are many described reconstructive techniques for vaginal agenesis including vaginal dilators, skin covered molds, sigmoid grafts, vulval and large muscle flaps all of which aim to produce a vagina of normal axis, secretory capacity and length. We report the laparoscopic approach to Davydov's operation which utilizes peritoneum to line the newly dissected vesicorectal space. Methods: A case report detailing preoperative evaluation, surgical technique and outcome.Results: There were no intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. The patient was discharged from hospital within 23 hours of surgery. Six month follow up revealed a vagina 7-8 cm in length, lined with squamous epithelium. The patient reports satisfactory sexual intercourse.Conclusion: This technique provides a satisfactory option for the surgical management of vaginal agenesis.     

Pudendal Thigh Fasciocutaneous Flaps for Vaginal Reconstruction in Gynecologic Oncology

The pudendal thigh is a sensate fasciocutaneous flap supplied by the posterior labial artery. We report on the results of pudendal thigh flaps used for vaginal reconstruction in eight patients at the time of pelvic exenteration (6) and radical vaginectomy (2). Patients were interviewed and results were assessed 5 to 19 months after surgery. The flaps were raised in the thigh creases just lateral to the hair bearing area of the labia majora and included skin, subcutaneous tissues, deep fascia of the thigh, and the epimysium of the adductor muscles. Flap sizes varied from 9 × 4 cm to 15 × 6 cm. Bilateral flaps were used in seven patients. The flaps were technically easy to perform. Partial (apical) flap necrosis occurred in four patients. One patient developed complete necrosis of bilateral flaps, followed by an enterovaginal fistula. One patient whose flaps did not necrose developed a rectovaginal fistula at the site of rectal reanastomosis. The functional results are disappointing. The only patient having successful vaginal intercourse had a unilateral flap reconstruction following lower vaginectomy in a nonirradiated pelvis. No patient with bilateral flaps or prior pelvic irradiation has had successful coitus. Other long-term sequelae include vulvar pain (2), chronic vaginal discharge (2), hair growth (4), and protrusion of the flaps (2). These vulvovaginal symptoms discourage patients and their partners from genital contact. Breaching the integrity of the vulva to construct a neovagina that is likely to be unsuitable for sexual intercourse may deprive women of their only potential for normal genital sexual responsiveness. Techniques of vaginoplasty require continued assessment.     

阴股沟皮瓣阴道再造术12例分析

目的　对应用阴股沟皮瓣进行阴道再造的经验进行总结。方法　以阴唇后动脉外侧支为血管蒂 ,在两侧阴股沟区掀起阴股沟皮瓣 ,皮瓣 9cm× 4cm～ 14cm× 5cm ,通过大阴唇皮下隧道转移至阴道前庭 ,相对缝合形成皮管 ,推入尿道、直肠间隙的腔穴中形成阴道。共为 12例患者实施阴道再造。结果　 1例因术中造穴时损伤直肠导致阴道直肠瘘 ,1例因感染致一侧皮瓣坏死 ,二期修复成功。其余 2 3个皮瓣全部成活 ,随诊 3个月至 8年 ,再造阴道光滑、无缩窄 ,横向可容纳两指 ,深度约9～ 10cm。结论　应用阴股沟皮瓣进行阴道再造 ,具有皮瓣血运丰富 ,解剖简便易行 ,再造阴道无继发挛缩并带有会阴部感觉 ,供区较隐蔽 ,术后少有继发瘢痕畸形的优点。     

Pitfalls in diagnosis and management of distal vaginal agenesis: 10-year experience at a single centre

Objective

To discuss common pitfalls in diagnosis and management of distal vaginal agenesis, and summarize 10 years of experience among 11 patients using an interposition full-thickness graft and fibrin glue.

Study design

Eleven patients with distal vaginal agenesis were evaluated and managed with an interposition full-thickness graft to bridge the gap between the upper vagina and the introitus. Associated renal abnormalities and complications including infection, total lack of skin graft take, stress urinary incontinence, partial graft loss, vaginal stricture and graft uptake were all investigated.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 12.91 (standard deviation 1.22) years. All patients had primary amenorrhoea, cryptomenorrhea, and cyclical or constant pelvic pain. None of the patients had associated urological abnormalities, and there were no cases of infection, total lack of skin graft take, stress urinary incontinence, partial graft loss or vaginal stricture. Graft uptake was 100% in 10 of the 11 patients. Four patients have subsequently married and report a satisfactory sex life.

Conclusion

Accurate diagnosis of distal vaginal agenesis and careful pre-operative set-up, including evaluation of associated anomalies, bowel preparation, available vaginal stents and a multidisciplinary approach for the potential need for grafts, may be key to success.     

The effect of skin graft preparation on wound contraction.

Both clinically and experimentally, full thickness skin grafts inhibit wound contraction better than do split thickness grafts. This occurs even if full thickness grafts are thinner than split grafts. Since inhibition of wound contraction does not depend on graft thickness alone, other differences should be sought between full and split grafts to explain this inhibition. One such difference is method of preparation. While full thickness grafts are cut with sharp dissection, split grafts are cut with mineral oil or with dermatome glue which is then stripped off. Both mineral oil and surface stripping in intact skin cause epidermal hyperplasia, more prominent in split grafts than in full thickness grafts. In this study, the effect of skin graft preparation on wound contraction and epidermal hyperplasia was tested. Seventy-four split thickness skin grafts were cut from Fischer rats with lubrication using mineral oil, Lubafax, normal saline solution or glue and a Padgett dermatome. Six full thickness grafts were treated with mineral oil. All grafts were placed on syngeneic rats; the area was measured with a planimeter, and biopsies were taken at zero, one, two, four, eight, 14 and 20 weeks. Mineral oil prepared split grafts lost 17.8 +/- 2.2 per cent area by one week, with a maximal loss of 38.8 +/- 4.8 per cent by four weeks. Split grafts cut with Lubafax, saline solution or glue plus drum dermatome lost similar area. Split grafts later enlarged as the rats grew, but in no group did split grafts surpass their original area. Full thickness grafts, even though treated with mineral oil, grew 3.9 +/- 4.3 per cent beyond their original area by four weeks and enlarged through 20 weeks. Histologic examination showed that all split skin grafts, regardless of surface preparation, had considerable epidermal hyperplasia and scarring in graft dermis and bed between one and four weeks. Thus, both skin graft contraction and epidermal hyperplasia occur independently of how grafts are prepared. The explantation of why full and split thickness grafts inhibit wound contraction differently must lie intrinsic rather than extrinsic to the skin.     

Vaginal reconstruction in gynecologic oncology

The improved prognosis for patients with gynecologic malignancies has resulted in an increased concern for their sexual function. Vaginal reconstruction plays an integral role in this rehabilitation. The care of these patients at the University of Michigan is reviewed and their treatment is described. Fifty-one patients were treated with split-thickness skin graft vaginoplasty. Seven repeat vaginoplasties were required, for a total of 58 procedures. Fifty patients were assessed postoperatively, and 47 (94%) ultimately had a satisfactory outcome. Three of the 50 patients had an unsatisfactory final outcome; two had recurrent malignancy and the third patient did not comply with the proposed dilator regimen. Four patients developed fistulas. The split-thickness skin graft provides an acceptable outcome when used for vaginal reconstruction in the patient with a gynecologic malignancy.     

Vaginal reconstruction at the time of pelvic exenteration: a surgical and psychosexual analysis of techniques

OBJECTIVES: Vaginal reconstruction following pelvic exenteration is an important aspect of the physical and psychological rehabilitation of women after radical surgery for pelvic malignancies. The choice of techniques is vast, and proper patient and surgical selection is important for obtaining satisfactory functional and aesthetic results. The objective of this retrospective study is to review different techniques for vaginal reconstruction and report the complications and patient satisfaction associated with the different procedures. METHODS: Between January 1988 and April 2001, 104 pelvic exenterations were performed by the division of gynecologic oncology at the University of Miami, School of Medicine. Twenty-five (24%) patients underwent vulvo-vaginal reconstruction at the time of the exenteration. A retrospective chart review of the 25 patients was performed, and 9 patients were available and contacted for an interview. RESULTS: Twenty-four (96%) patients had received prior definitive radiation therapy. Overall, there were 9 complications (6 major and 3 minor) attributed to vaginal reconstruction, accounting for 36% perioperative morbidity. Seven of the nine (78%) patients interviewed reported successful vaginal intercourse at some point after their operation. All 5 surviving patients in the myocutaneous flap group were very satisfied with their sexual function and were sexually active at the time of their interview. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal reconstruction at the time of pelvic exenteration is an important topic that should be discussed with the patient during the preoperative visit. Although the myocutaneous flaps are associated with longer operative times, they appear to be the preferred type due to decreased postoperative fistulae and better patient satisfaction.     

Augmentation Vaginoplasty of Colonic Neovagina Stricture Using Oral Mucosa Graft

BackgroundVaginal reconstruction is performed for a variety of congenital and acquired anomalies, and several techniques have been described. Conventional neovaginal reconstructions typically involve skin grafts or vascularized intestinal segments. Oral mucosa has been used successfully in urethral reconstruction, and several long-term studies have demonstrated its surgical versatility and durability.Case ReportHere we present the successful use of an oral mucosal graft in the surgical treatment of a strictured, colonic neovagina in a 19-year-old, 46XX female with cloacal exstrophy.ConclusionThough the literature contains reports of oral mucosal grafts in primary gynecologic surgeries, this is the first report describing the use of buccal mucosa for a secondary, neovagina reconstruction. Based on the outcome of our case, we conclude that oral mucosa is a promising graft material suitable for vaginal reconstructions.     

Split thickness skin grafting of the plantar surface of the foot after wide excision of neoplasms of the skin.

Results of our studies show split thickness skin grafts are an effective cover for plantar surface defects resulting from tumor excision. Long term follow-up studies of these patients revealed no graft failures. The ease with which split thickness skin grafts can be performed makes it the treatment of choice for reconstruction of areas of excison of neoplasms of the skin on the plantar surface of the foot.     

腹腔镜下腹膜代阴道成型术的临床应用

探讨腹腔镜下腹膜代阴道成型术的方法及临床应用效果。方法:为13例Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser综合征(MRKH综合征)患者成功地进行了腹腔镜下腹膜代阴道成形术。使用4个穿刺点:脐部穿刺形成CO2气腹并放置第1个直径为10mm的穿刺套管,分别于左右下腹及耻骨上放置直径5mm的穿刺套管3个。于盆腔中部膀胱及直肠反折腹膜下,注入生理盐水以分离腹膜。从此处横行剪开,并分离腹膜前后叶长8~10cm,呈H形。在阴道前庭处横行剪开,于膀胱直肠间钝性分离成穴道,长约10cm,使穴道与腹腔相通。自穴道牵出游离的前后片,缝合于阴道口的前庭粘膜于腹腔镜下剪开直肠和膀胱表面的浆膜,缝合关闭阴道顶端及盆腔。术后使用弹形头的阴道硬模型。结果:13例手术均获成功,患者平均手术时间95±14m in,平均出血量57±14m l,平均随访时间9±4个月,腹部切口美观,人工阴道生长好,性生活正常。结论:腹腔镜下腹膜代阴道成形术是可行和安全的,能够取得开腹手术的效果。     

Tilapia Skin for Neovaginoplasty after Sex Reassignment Surgery

Study ObjectiveTo describe a new technique of neovaginoplasty after a female sex reassignment surgery using a tilapia skin as a graft.DesignStepwise demonstration of a new technique with narrated video of a single case report. The patient provided oral and written informed consent. Moreover, this video report is part of a multicenter, Investigational Review Board–approved study.SettingWomen's university hospital in Campinas, Brazil.InterventionsNeovaginoplasty technique using tilapia skin with the following key strategies: (1) corpus cavernosum removal, (2) vagina tunnel creation, (3) mold coating with tilapia skin, (4) mold fixation, and (5) postoperative care. The patient remained with the mold coated with tilapia skin for 5 days; after this time, the mold was removed, and the tissue graft was adhered and incorporated in the new vaginal canal. After 2 months, the tissue resembled a vaginal mucosa, and the vaginal length was 8 cm. The patient has not had intercourse yet.ConclusionWe introduce an alternative for low-morbidity neovaginoplasty based on the experience of plastic surgery in burned grafts. The procedure described offers an alternative option to develop an anatomic neovagina with tissue similar to mucosa tissue by a simple, low-morbidity minimally invasive procedure.     

Vaginal reconstruction with two lower abdominal skin flaps in rabbits: histological and macroscopic evaluation

Objective

To evaluate the use of two skin flaps of the lower abdominal wall in the creation of a cylindrical conduit in vaginal reconstruction surgery in rabbits, through macroscopic and histological analysis.

Study design

An experimental study was performed in 16 female New Zealand rabbits, consisting of the use of two rectangular-shaped skin flaps of the lower abdominal wall measuring 1 cm longitudinally and 3 cm transversely anastomosed to each other through continuous suture of the edges of the two flaps to create a tube. Hysterectomy and excision of the vaginal vault were performed, and the skin tube was anastomosed to the remaining vaginal stump with separate points of polyglycolic acid 4.0. Animals were divided into 4 groups according to the euthanasia at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks, when after excision of the neovagina, macroscopic and histological evaluation with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome were performed.

Results

Of 16 operated rabbits, only 1 presented partial abdominal wall dehiscence, not compromising the flap viability. The macroscopic analysis of the vaginal conduit showed that it was kept open throughout the experimental steps, with a good patency and gauge, showing a slight retraction in the skin conduit length of no statistical significance. In the histopathological analysis, a local inflammatory process in the anastomosis was observed, which was larger in the early evaluation but decreased in late evaluations, as well as the local fibrosis process. Integration of the vaginal and skin epithelia was made with no alterations in their primary characteristics.

Conclusion

The use of two skin flaps of the lower abdominal wall as a vaginal conduit presented good integration between skin and vaginal tissue with minimal length retraction, kept the patency during evaluations and did not show strictures, presenting good local healing and a low rate of complications.     

V-Y plasty for perianal reconstruction after resection of tumor.

A patient with combination of perianal condylomas and Bowen's disease is described. After resection of the tumor, the defect was repaired by use of V-Y plasty using triangular island skin flaps and split thickness skin grafts. After repair and reconstruction of the perianal area, the patient regained full continence.     

Vaginal reconstruction with a greater omentum–pedicled graft combined with a vicryl mesh after anterior pelvic exenteration. Surgical approach with long-term follow-up

Resection of anterior vaginal wall that occurs with some cases of anterior pelvic exenteration leaves the patient with a small and narrow vagina. This affects their sexual life leading to major psychologic problems, especially in young women. The aim of this study is to evaluate a new technique of vaginal reconstruction following anterior pelvic exenteration with clinical and cytohistologic follow-up. Between March 2002 and November 2004, ten sexually active female patients underwent vaginal reconstruction after radical cystectomy that required en bloc removal of the anterior vaginal wall, with a pedicle graft of greater omentum combined with a vicryl mesh. The mean age of the patients was 38 years. The mean operative time of the reconstructive procedure was 50 min. There were no complications regarding the reconstructive procedure. On follow-up, the neovagina accepted two fingers easily and showed a pink-colored smooth lining. Seven patients reported successful attempts of sexual intercourse. It was concluded that reconstruction of vagina after anterior pelvic exenteration in sexually active women can be done safely with the use of vicryl mesh combined with a pedicled omental graft. It is a simple, reliable, and not time-consuming technique. The long-term follow-up was very beneficial in detection of complete healing, postoperative infections, and hormonal activity of the graft and recurrence of malignancy.     

Accurate repair of the prolapsed vagina by use of measured lateral flaps

OBJECTIVE: We report our experience with a technique for planning the final vaginal caliber and location of the vaginal apex in patients with severe vaginal prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: During the 2-year period ending April 1998, the technique was used in all 27 patients who were undergoing vaginal repair of prolapse performed by Mitchel S. Hoffman, MD, and who desired to retain the vagina but required at least partial excision. The major steps included determination of sites for lateral apical support, definition of the desired introital caliber, marking of the measured lateral vaginal flaps, excision of the intervening epithelium (and uterus if present, n = 14), high peritoneal closure, closure of the anterior vaginal wall, placement of apical supporting sutures, and completion of closure with tying of supporting sutures. Small flaps were designed for the 8 patients who did not anticipate further sexual intercourse. RESULTS: The only intraoperative complication was hemorrhage >1000 mL in 3 patients. Immediate anatomic results were considered excellent for 26 patients. The only early postoperative complication was hemorrhage in a patient being treated with an anticoagulant; she responded to conservative management. Follow-up was available for 24 patients (21-42 months of follow-up; mean, 29 months). All patients had complete relief of prolapse symptoms. Anatomic results remained excellent for 21 of the 24 patients; in the remaining 3 patients asymptomatic grade 2 cystoceles developed at 6 to 12 months. Three patients had new urinary symptoms that persisted. Nine patients resumed sexual intercourse, with no difficulties noted. CONCLUSION: Defining the vaginal apex and designing lateral vaginal flaps facilitate the precise creation of an anatomically and functionally appropriate vagina, with reasonable morbidity, good symptomatic relief, and mild alteration of surrounding organ function.     

ORIGINAL RESEARCH–INTERSEX AND GENDER IDENTITY DISORDERS: Metoidioplasty as a Single Stage Sex Reassignment Surgery in Female Transsexuals: Belgrade Experience

IntroductionMetoidioplasty represents one of the variants of phalloplasty in female transsexuals. Its main characteristic is that it is a one-stage procedure. It involves lengthening and straightening of hypertrophied clitoris to create a neophallus, urethral lengthening to enable voiding while standing, and scrotal reconstruction with insertion of testicle prostheses.AimOur aim is to describe our technique and highlight its advantages.MethodsBetween September 2002 and April 2007, 82 female transsexuals, aged 18–54 years (mean age 31) underwent one-stage metoidioplasty. Clitoris is lengthened and straightened by division of clitoral ligaments and short urethral plate. Urethroplasty is done with combined buccal mucosa graft and genital skin flaps. Scrotum is created from labia majora in which two testicle prostheses are inserted. Simultaneously, female genitalia are removed.Main Outcome MeasuresPatients' personal satisfaction about sensitivity and length of neophallus, possibility to void in standing position, real length of reconstructed urethra as well as complication rate comparing to other published data.ResultsThe median follow-up was 32 months (range 14–69). The mean neophallic length was 5.7 cm (range 4–10). Voiding in standing position was reported in all patients, while dribbling and spraying were noticed in 23 cases and solved spontaneously. There were two urethral strictures and seven fistulas that required secondary minor revision. All patients reported preserved sensation and normal postoperative erection. Testicle prostheses rejection was not observed in any of the patients.ConclusionsMetoidioplasty is a single-stage and time-saving procedure. It could be an alternative to total phalloplasty in female transsexuals who do not wish to have sexual intercourse. Also, it represents a first step in cases where additional augmentation phalloplasty is required. Djordjevic ML, Stanojevic D, Bizic M, Kojovic V, Majstorovic M, Vujovic S, Milosevic A, Korac G, and Perovic SV. Metoidioplasty as a single stage sex reassignment surgery in female transsexuals: Belgrade experience. J Sex Med 2009;6:1306–1313.